1
as in overpowering
Related Words
Relevance
2
as in crushing
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
3
as in staggering
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
1
as in devastating
to subject to incapacitating emotional or mental stress
just the thought of how much work there is to do overwhelms me
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in flooding
to cover with a flood
that spring the massive runoff from melting snows overwhelmed the valley
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of overwhelming
Kevin Sherrington
feb. 10, Dallas Morning News, 10 Feb. 2026
On Monday, mother and daughter shared skin-to-skin contact for the first time — a moment Apollon described as overwhelming and healing.
—Jamilka Gibson, Sun Sentinel, 10 Feb. 2026
Colleen Sullivan, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Jan. 2026
Advanced technologies like microencapsulation and nano-layering allow actives to penetrate effectively without overwhelming the skin’s surface—reducing irritation while improving efficacy.
—Corein Carter, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overwhelming
Adjective
The media response was overwhelming.
—Kevin Sherrington
feb. 10, Dallas Morning News, 10 Feb. 2026
On Monday, mother and daughter shared skin-to-skin contact for the first time — a moment Apollon described as overwhelming and healing.
—Jamilka Gibson, Sun Sentinel, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
Even small areas like a powder room can serve as a canvas for playful or dramatic wall treatments, adding a wow factor without overwhelming the budget, while wallpapering only an accent wall makes this look accessible and affordable.
—Colleen Sullivan, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Jan. 2026
Advanced technologies like microencapsulation and nano-layering allow actives to penetrate effectively without overwhelming the skin’s surface—reducing irritation while improving efficacy.
—Corein Carter, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overwhelming
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overwhelming
Adjective
-
The irony is that few major film festivals have felt more grounded in their environs than Sundance or have conveyed a more physically overpowering sense of place.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Country Red Another overpowering shade both Mazzarini and Spalding suggest avoiding is country red.—
Nishaa Sharma,
The Spruce,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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His decision to leave the agency — after just a year and a half on the job — added to a staggering list of police chiefs who served short stints at the Oakland Police Department, which has operated under federal court oversight for more than 20 years.—
Kyle Martin,
Mercury News,
5 Feb. 2026
-
New York City hate crimes skyrocketed 152% in January, fueled by a staggering 182% surge in antisemitic incidents.—
Staff,
FOXNews.com,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The front lobby of Unicoi County Hospital was wrecked by devastating flooding during Hurricane Helene in 2024.—
Brett Kelman,
CBS News,
9 Feb. 2026
-
While an eight-game winning run saw Cherki, Foden and Haaland hit their devastating best, three frustrating draws against Sunderland, Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion were characterised by wastefulness in front of goal.—
Thom Harris,
New York Times,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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But a drone had hit one of its salons, shattering a heating pipe and flooding the premises.—
Tim Lister,
CNN Money,
8 Feb. 2026
-
The first tournament of the 41st annual Snow Polo World Cup kicks off later today, and over 26,000 visitors are flooding into the Swiss resort town—nearly all of whom are taking the second rule of polo to heart.—
Jessica Sulima,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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With a perfectly crispy and browned panko crust, this casserole is nearly irresistible.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
13 Feb. 2026
-
The attraction between them proves immediate and irresistible.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Local officials criticized the FAA for imposing the closure without advance notice or coordination, calling the lack of communication unacceptable.—
Seung Min Kim,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2026
-
That failure to communicate is unacceptable.—
Jay Blackman,
NBC news,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Rinko Kikuchi is stupendous as a ballroom-dancing widow infatuated with her instructor.—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Feb. 2026
-
To proceed more or less in order, renewables are now increasingly backstopped not by fossil fuels but by batteries, which have grown cheaper at a stupendous pace.—
Bill McKibben,
The New York Review of Books,
15 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Jones said her journey to reach this point has been defined by overcoming adversity and a devotion to family.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
12 Feb. 2026
-
Medical experts and public health leaders say overcoming hesitancy is key in preventing further spread in and around Charlotte, and preventing the rise of other infectious diseases.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overwhelming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overwhelming. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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